The list of premieres for the first week of July features no fewer than 35 highlights. This large number is a consequence of the summer season in Japan, making this period the most anticipated one for otakus. Among simulcasts (releases simultaneous with Japanese TV), there are no fewer than 23 anime titles, including the awaited second season of “Dan Da Dan” and new favorite titles, including even a donghua (animation produced in China), the spectacular “Lord of Mysteries.” The live-action series list also includes the finale of “Sandman,” while the movie selection adds four horror titles that were recently in theaters and the premiere of the highly anticipated “Old Guard 2” on Netflix.
NOW
🎞️ PREMONITION 6: BLOOD TIES | VoD*
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The latest chapter in the horror franchise launched in 2000 brings back the saga’s traditional elements, featuring violent and elaborate deaths, but presents a new twist: this time, Death’s target is not just a group of friends, but an entire family lineage. The plot follows Stefanie, a tormented college student who experiences nightmares in which she witnesses the deaths of her entire family. Trying to prevent the tragedy, she returns to her hometown seeking help from her grandmother Iris, who had a similar premonition back in 1966 and managed to save lives. Soon, Stefanie discovers that her grandmother’s original actions are responsible for the consequences affecting her family decades later. The film aims to depict Death trying to erase all of Iris’s descendants, who, according to fate, should never have existed.
In addition to the elaborate sequences of fatal accidents resulting in comedic carnage, the narrative reinforces themes of destiny, guilt, and family inheritance that have always been present in the “Final Destination” films.
The production is executive produced by Jon Watts, known for directing the three most recent “Spider-Man” films. Watts is also the creator of the original story. The screenplay is written by Guy Busick (“Scream VI”) and Lori Evans Taylor (“Ouija: Origin of Evil”). Direction is handled by the duo Adam Stein and Zach Lipovsky, known for the cult thriller “Frequency” (2018) and the television film “Kim Possible” (2019).
The cast features Brec Bassinger (“Stargirl”) as young Iris, Kaitlyn Santa Juana (“Dear Evan Hansen”) as Stefanie, along with Teo Briones (“Chucky”), Richard Harmon (“The 100”), Anna Lore (“Gotham Knights”), Owen Patrick Joyner (“Julie and the Phantoms”), Max Lloyd-Jones (“The Book of Boba Fett”), Rya Kihlstedt (“Obi-Wan Kenobi”), Tinpo Lee (“The Rookie”), and Tony Todd, a constant presence throughout the franchise, who bids farewell to the screens following
die in 2024
.
🎞️ THE WOMAN IN THE GARDEN | VoD*
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After a string of blockbuster action movies, Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra returns to the origins of “Orphan” (2009) with this Blumhouse horror film that explores themes of grief, guilt, and mental health through a supernatural lens. The film stars the talented Danielle Deadwyler (awarded for “Till” in 2022), but it did not please critics (43% on Rotten Tomatoes) and grossed only $22 million at the U.S. box office, against a modest budget of $12 million.
The horror takes place on an isolated farm in rural USA and follows Ramona (Deadwyler), a depressed, widowed mother who uses a wheelchair after a car accident that took her husband’s life. She has two children to care for: Taylor, a rebellious teenager, and Annie, a sensitive little girl. One day, a mysterious female figure appears in the backyard, dressed in black and wrapped in a flowing veil, standing still outside staring at the family. Initially, Ramona thinks she might be an elderly woman who is lost or confused, and tries to seek help—but there is no phone signal or electricity (Ramona only has a mobile phone, which is dead, something the script subtly emphasizes). The woman in the garden does not respond, only repeating enigmatically the phrase “Today is the day,” while slowly advancing, always stopping at the edge of the porch. When the family dog barks uncontrollably at the figure, she seems to use a kind of “shadow magic”—and the dog mysteriously disappears, leaving only a blood trail suggesting it was attacked and killed.
From that point on, events escalate in strangeness. Ramona tries to protect her children inside the house, locking doors and windows, while the woman whispers revelations from outside. The protagonist becomes haunted, as she holds a secret: although she told the children their father died driving, it was actually Ramona behind the wheel on that fateful night, causing the accident after a marital fight. The supernatural presence intensifies Ramona’s guilt, while paranormal phenomena begin occurring within the house (mirrors shatter, lights flicker when the generator briefly turns on again). The detail is that no one else sees the woman. When the police finally arrive, they find nothing.
The reason for the supernatural manifestation divided opinions, with deserved criticism regarding the overly explicit metaphor and lack of surprises. Nonetheless, the film is part of a recent trend in modern horror that personifies psychological issues, seen in more impactful predecessors such as “Babadook” (about maternal depression) and “The Invisible Man” (about abuse trauma).
🎞️ BAD FOR THE DOG | Netflix
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Although talking-dog movies are a tradition in children’s cinema, “Bad for the Dog” is an adult comedy filled with scatological humor and dialogue packed with profanity, distancing itself from the usually sentimental tone associated with canine-themed films. This tends to create a disconnect between audience expectations and the movie’s actual content, helping to explain its box office failure in the U.S. in 2023. However, its unusual premise and dogs voiced by comedians such as Will Ferrell (“Barbie”) and Jaime Foxx (“Tyrone Unplugged”), who deliver excellent performances, have made the comedy a “guilty pleasure.”
The plot directed by Josh Greenbaum (“Bridesmaids”) follows Reggie, a 2-year-old border terrier (voiced originally by Ferrell) who is abandoned by his owner Doug (Will Forte from “Nebraska”) in a town far from home. Left alone, Reggie teams up with the terrier Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx), and other stray dogs, including Hunter, an anxious Great Dane (voiced by Randall Park from “WandaVision”) and Maggie, a smart Australian shepherd (voiced by Isla Fisher from “Now You See Me”). Together, they embark on a journey to get revenge on Doug and help Reggie bite his former owner’s genitals.
The group of dogs goes through various situations throughout their journey, from pizza and beer parties to an encounter with a predatory eagle. The plot also explores the relationship between Reggie and Bug, who become unlikely friends and learn valuable lessons from each other. Despite its crude humor, the film offers insightful moments of canine observation, adding unexpected depth to the story.
🎞️ THE MOST PRECIOUS CARGO | Vod*
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The animation tells the story of a poor woman during World War II who discovers a baby thrown from a Nazi train heading to Auschwitz. By taking in the child, she defies her husband and the logic of the time, secretly protecting the girl despite the risk of being discovered by authorities. The narrative is constructed as a moral fable, alternating silence, snow, and minimal gestures of humanity.
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius (“The Artist”), the film is an adult animated feature based on the book by Jean-Claude Grumberg. The aesthetic evokes hand-drawn illustrations with soft, watercolor-like lines, and the narration is performed by Jean-Louis Trintignant (“Amour”) in his final role before his death. The French voice cast also includes Dominique Blanc (“A l’origine du mal”), Grégory Gadebois (“Zorro”) and Denis Podalydès (“Belle Époque”).
With a soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat and a screenplay co-written by the original author, the film premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised for its formal delicacy, highlighting the balance between historical horror and narrative lyricism. Even in an industry unaccustomed to adult animations addressing genocides and traumatic historical themes, the film received a César Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, a category previously won by a politically charged animation, “Persepolis,” in 2008.
📺 LORD OF MYSTERIES | Crunchyroll
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Acclaimed Chinese fantasy work by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, considered a literary phenomenon with over eight volumes published and millions of readers worldwide, receives an adaptation by studio B.CMay Pictures. In isekai style, the protagonist, Zhou Mingrui, mysteriously awakens inside the body of recent college graduate Klein Moretti, who died from an apparent suicide, and soon finds himself in an alternate universe characterized by Victorian aesthetics, Lovecraftian atmosphere, and steampunk technology, filled with secret societies, supernatural mysteries, airships, spells, and tarot cards. In this new world, people known as Beyonders possess magical abilities. Klein is a Beyonder, and consequently, Zhou becomes entangled in intrigues, having to fight against monsters straight out of a horror movie to discover how he ended up there.
The first season, which adapts Volume 1 of the saga into 13 episodes, rapidly covers a surprising amount of content, as the first episode alone spans 14 chapters of the novel, while the second reaches up to chapter 44. Naturally, the pace is frantic, especially compared to traditional Japanese anime, and the excitement surrounding its release should help give donghua, the animation produced in China, the popularity boost this genre has not yet achieved in the West.
📺 TAKOPI’S ORIGINAL SIN | Crunchyroll
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An alien from the “Planet of Happiness,” named Takopi, arrives on Earth determined to spread joy and transform human lives. As he approaches Shizuka, a nine-year-old girl marked by bullying and loneliness, the intergalactic visitor tries to change the girl’s fate with his inventions and good intentions. What begins as an optimistic journey quickly turns into an intense drama when Takopi witnesses the real pain his new friend faces.
The original story was published as a manga by Taizan 5 in 2021, resulting in only two volumes, yet earning awards and millions of readers due to its sensitive approach to delicate themes such as trauma, bullying, guilt, and attempts at redemption. The naive alien finds himself unable to fix alone the devastating consequences of human suffering. In an attempt to reverse tragedies, Takopi resorts to time travel—a central device for exploring how far good intentions can interfere with free will and the cycle of pain.
Directed by Shinya Iino and animated by studio Enishiya, the animation features a visual style that contrasts cute fantasy elements with dark atmospheres, emphasizing the characters’ psychological depth. The release gained significant attention in Japan, sparking debates about the boundaries of the “dark fantasy” genre and discussions regarding mental health in youth entertainment.
MONDAY
🎞️ NO STRINGS ATTACHED | Netflix
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The Brazilian version of “Amizade Colorida” (2011) features Maria Bopp (“Me Chama de ‘Bruna'”) as Julia, a São Paulo-based headhunter who recruits Daniel, an art director from Salvador played by Ícaro Martins (“Verdades Secretas”), to work in São Paulo, and the friendship that emerges between them turns into a no-strings-attached sexual arrangement—with the promise that neither will fall in love.
Rafael Gomes’ direction (“Música para Morrer de Amor”) opts for a plausible narrative that gains strength in the characters’ development, gently and familiarly exploring the tension between desire and attachment in contemporary relationships. Maria Bopp and Ícaro Silva, as Júlia and Daniel, portray a subtle and realistic chemistry marked by restrained emotions that emerge delicately, and the cast further includes Daniel Furlan, Gisele Fróes, Tuca Andrada, and Luiz Pepeu, adding nuances to the urban and emotional plot.
🎞️ A FATHER FOR LILY | Netflix
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Winner by acclaim of both the jury and the audience at the SXSW Festival 2024, this independent dramedy celebrates the unexpected power of human connection in the digital age. Directed by Tracie Laymon in her feature film debut, who also wrote the screenplay inspired by her own story, it follows a young woman who finds an unlikely father figure in a stranger.
The plot follows Lily Trevino, a young Texan girl who longs for the approval of her absent and self-centered father. Frustrated by the lack of paternal connection, Lily seeks comfort in social media and impulsively sends a message to a stranger with the same name as her father, Bob Trevino, a lonely Chicago chef. An unlikely virtual friendship blossoms between them, united by unexpected affinities and mutual loneliness. Bob becomes the father figure Lily has always desired, while she brings lightness and encouragement into Bob’s life. Their bond deepens to the point that Bob travels to meet Lily during a family crisis, culminating in the formation of a chosen family that fills the void in their lives.
Barbie Ferreira (“Euphoria”) delivers a captivating performance as Lily, effortlessly moving between sarcasm and emotional vulnerability. John Leguizamo (“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”) charms as Bob, avoiding clichés and bringing warmth and humor to his character. The chemistry between the leads is the heart of the film, moving the audience with the sincerity of their interactions.
The production is part of a new wave of films exploring unconventional family relationships in the digital age, celebrating chosen families and non-traditional paternal love. In a cinematic landscape often marked by cynicism, the film revives belief in kindness and empathy, and its warm critical reception (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), highlighted by awards at major festivals such as SXSW, attests to the universality of its theme.
📺 NECRONOMICON AND THE COSMIC HORROR SHOW | Crunchyroll
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Mixing cosmic horror, metafiction, and livestreaming culture, the original production by studio Gokumi introduces Miko Kurono, a high school student who works as a streamer under the name “Necronomico.” When she accepts to participate in a new virtual reality game, Miko finds herself trapped in challenges involving entities inspired by the universe of H. P. Lovecraft. The best players end up representing Earth in a competition that could lead to humanity’s extinction. And to make matters worse, Miko must also deal with the mysterious “Cthulhu Princess,” who has taken the appearance of her friend Mayu, who is in a coma.
Directed by Masato Matsune (“The Kingdom of Seven Magilamines”), the anime balances humor, horror, and references to Lovecraft’s legacy, blending the pop universe of streamers with supernatural threats in colorful animation design, while also offering a critical perspective on the digital world and extreme exposure on social networks.
TUESDAY
🎞️ MY NAME IS EILEEN | Netflix
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The 2023 film starring Thomasin McKenzie (“Last Night in Soho”) and Anne Hathaway (“Your Idea of Me”) has an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it had not yet been released in Brazil, where it never reached theaters. The story is a drama about repression and isolation that gradually transforms into a psychological thriller set in the 1960s in rural Massachusetts. The protagonist, Eileen (Thomasin), is a lonely young woman who works at a juvenile detention center and finds in a new psychologist (Hathaway) not only company but also an enigmatic presence that shakes her rigid world. As they grow closer, Eileen begins to explore dark desires and secrets, but what seemed like an empowering connection reveals itself as a deadly trap.
William Oldroyd’s direction creates an oppressive and elegant atmosphere, immersing the viewer in an environment where every glance and silence carries a latent threat. The actresses perform with precision, embodying a relationship driven by manipulation and obsession, while suspense builds slowly, reaching dramatic turning points that shatter the carefully crafted composure.
The setting, cinematography, and soundtrack contribute to immersing the viewer in the period, and the dynamic between the two characters carries the film through to the resolution, which blends contemplation, restrained violence, and moral transformation. The screenplay, adapted from Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel, offers a distressing portrayal of power, desire, and the consequences of yielding to the seduction of the mask projected by the other.
🎞️ DEATH, DEATH, DEATH | Netflix
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The dark comedy suspense stands out due to its great cast and clever script, creating a modern and engaging “whodunit.” The plot features Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give”) and Maria Bakalova (the daughter from “Borat 2”) as a hot couple who arrive at an isolated mansion to have fun with a group of influencers. When boredom sets in, someone suggests a game where one person pretends to be a killer while the others hide. The problem is, when a storm cuts the power, corpses begin to appear—one real killer is indeed among them.
The film is directed by Dutch actress Halina Reijn (“Instinct”) and its cast also includes Pete Davidson (“The Suicide Squad”), Myha’la Herrold (“Industry”), Rachel Sennott (“Shiva Baby”), Chase Sui Wonders (“Generation”) and Lee Pace (“Foundation”). Full of twists and a surprising ending, the 2022 film has already become a cult classic.
📺 NEW SAGA | Crunchyroll
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The adaptation of Masayuki Abe’s light novel, released in 2013, follows Kyler Lenard, a young warrior who survived the battle against the demon race that devastated the world. Amidst the apocalyptic setting, Kyle finds a mysterious artifact and is sent back in time four years before the tragedy that destroyed his city and killed his friends.
Determined to change the world’s fate, Kyle uses all his knowledge of the future to forge new alliances, overcome past traumas, and prevent catastrophe from happening again. The studio Sotsu’s production blends adventure, epic battles, and time travel strategies, creating a narrative of redemption and second chances.
📺 THESE DAYS’ DETECTIVES ARE CRAZY! | Crunchyroll
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The comedy, based on Masakuni Igarashi’s manga released in 2016 and already comprising over 15 volumes published in Japan, follows former prodigy detective Keiichirō Nagumo, who left behind his days of glory solving cases as a teenager. Now 35 years old, Nagumo faces back problems, discouragement, and financial difficulties in keeping his private detective agency running.
His monotonous routine is transformed by the arrival of Mashiro Nakanishi, a high school student full of energy, determined to become the old detective’s apprentice. The contrast between Mashiro’s impulsive youth and Nagumo’s outdated perspective forms the basis for the story’s comedic and light tone. They form an unlikely duo, using unorthodox methods to solve crimes, balancing action and humor with a nostalgic view of the profession.
The production by Liden Films studio, directed by Rion Kujo (“Naruto”), explores both everyday mysteries and generational differences among its protagonists, blending unusual cases, hidden equipment in school uniforms, and eccentric characters, such as a cat named Cerberus and a former yakuza who joins the supporting cast.
📺 ONMYO KAITEN RE:BIRTH VERSE | Crunchyroll
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The manga by Fujiko Sakuno, with illustrations by Kyūjo Matsumoto, arrives in anime format produced by studio David Production, a team known for “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Fire Force.” The story begins with Takeru Narihira, a delinquent who dreams of Tsukimiya, a mysterious young woman. After an accident, he awakens in Denji Heian-kyō—a technological alternate version of the ancient Heian capital—where he encounters Tsukimiya.
Meanwhile, the encounter is quickly interrupted by a monster, which kills Takeru. The impact causes him to awaken once again, realizing he has returned to the past. Determined to change Tsukimiya’s fate, he seeks training under the legendary onmyōji Abe no Seimei, learning onmyō-jutsu to fight against evil and rewrite his path. The narrative blends action and fantasy, with Takeru evolving from a “lone wolf” into someone who embraces greater responsibilities.
📺 RENT-A-GIRLFRIEND | Crunchyroll
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A popular adaptation of Reiji Miyajima’s manga, in publication since July 2017 and already featuring 40 released volumes, follows Kazuya Kinoshita, a 20-year-old college student who, after a breakup, turns to a girlfriend rental app and meets Chizuru Mizuhara, with whom he develops a bond beyond their contract. In the 4th season, the relationship between Kazuya and Chizuru, built on misunderstandings and mutual growth, remains central to the narrative, now diving into a summer atmosphere with episodes set at beaches, pools, and in tropical settings, maintaining the series’ signature balance between comedy and romance.
Production continues under the responsibility of TMS Entertainment, with director Kazuomi Koga returning, reinforcing the established visual and narrative style, especially focusing on Kazuya’s emotional conflicts and the different suitors that appear, such as Ruka, Sumi, and Mami. Additionally, the opening theme “Umitsuki,” by the duo ClariS, indicates a more melodic and mature tone in the new chapters.
THURSDAY
🎞️ THE OLD GUARD 2 | Netflix
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Charlize Theron returns to the role of Scythia’s Andromache in the sequel to the 2020 hit, now facing the consequences of her newly acquired mortality. While adapting to her new condition, Andy must face a new opponent: the first immortal, played by Uma Thurman (“Kill Bill”), who emerges to threaten the group’s balance.
In addition to Theron and Thurman, the production features Henry Golding (“G.I. Joe Origins: Snake Eyes”) in the cast. The main cast also brings back KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, all reprising their roles from the original film, which was viewed in 72 million households during its first four weeks of release. The sequel arrives in Netflix’s catalog after a five-year hiatus, accompanied by rumors of behind-the-scenes issues and reshoots.
The direction is by Victoria Mahoney, making her debut in the role after working as an assistant director on “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” while the screenplay was written by Greg Rucka—who created the comic series that originated the saga—alongside Sarah L. Walker.
🎞️ HEADS OF STATE | Prime Video
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Actors John Cena (“The Suicide Squad”) and Idris Elba (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”) team up in an action comedy centered around two heads of state forced to collaborate in the face of an international conspiracy. Cena plays the President of the United States, while Elba portrays the British Prime Minister. Both find themselves having to rely on each other when they become targets of a ruthless and highly trained enemy, after discovering they can count on no one else but themselves.
Beside them is Priyanka Chopra Jonas (“Citadel”), who plays an elite agent of British intelligence involved in the mission to protect the heads of state. Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) joins as the logistics and weapons support, completing the central core of the plot.
The cast also includes Carla Gugino (“The Fall of the House of Usher”), Stephen Root (“Barry”), Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”), Richard Coyle (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), and Paddy Considine (“House of the Dragon”). Directed by Ilya Naishuller (“Hardcore Henry”), the screenplay is written by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec (both from “Citadel”) and Harrison Query, who also wrote the original story.
📺 CLEVATESS | Crunchyroll
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The new fantasy anime adapts the popular manga by Yuji Iwahara (“King of Thorns”), which already has eight volumes released in Japan. The plot takes place in a fantasy world devastated by Clevatess, the self-proclaimed King of Magical Beasts. The story begins when young Alicia is chosen as one of the thirteen heroes tasked with wielding legendary swords to defeat Clevatess. However, the mission turns out to be a disaster: they not only fail but are also massacred, eliminating any resistance capability from the continent of Edsea. Nevertheless, in a surprising move, Clevatess decides to protect a mysterious human baby who may hold the key to the world’s future. To fulfill this task, the King of Magical Beasts assumes the form of a semi-human woman—retaining the horn that reveals his identity—and recruits the fallen heroine Alice as a reluctant ally.
From this central core, the series develops a tense plot between destruction and redemption, exploring themes such as power, mercy, loyalty, and the thin line separating heroism from brutality. The dark tone and complex moral construction are the standout features of this “dark fantasy,” which blends epic battles and emotional dilemmas. Directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi (“Ultraman Omega”), with animation direction and character design by Souichirou Sako (“Luzes no Céu: Fireworks”).
The soundtrack also draws attention. The opening is “Ruler,” performed by Mayu Maeshima, known for the theme of “Re:Zero,” but the big surprise is the ending theme “Destiny,” composed and performed exclusively for the series by British singer Ellie Goulding, in an unusual collaboration within the Japanese anime industry.
📺 REINCARNATED INTO A VENDING MACHINE, NOW I EXPLORE THE DUNGEON | Crunchyroll
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In this absurd isekai, an otaku obsessed with vending machines reincarnates as one after a fatal accident. Upon awakening in a fantasy world, he becomes aware of his unusual condition: he can think, but is unable to move, and can only use pre-programmed phrases typical of vending machines, such as “Hello” and “Too bad,” as well as sell any item he purchased in his previous life.
Lost in the middle of the wilderness, he is found by Lammis, a young hunter who is ridiculously strong, and who is saved from starvation by his stockpile. Naming him “Boxxo,” she begins carrying him on her back, allowing the otaku/machine to move around and explore dungeons, while simultaneously supplying his new friend with snacks, drinks, and magical items—all without being able to speak complex sentences. Based on Hirukuma’s light novel series, the show relies on humor derived from the surreal situation and contrasts between Lammis’ impulsive youthfulness and the companionship of a sentient machine.
Season 2 features the arrival of a new director, Takashi Yamamoto (“Onigiri”), who joins the original staff and voice cast to continue Boxxo, Lammis, and their allies’ journey through new challenges in the dungeon.
FRIDAY
📺 SANDMAN | Netflix
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The second and final season follows Dream on a journey filled with trials that force him to confront gods and monsters, revisit Hell, and face the consequences of ancient choices. Inspired by Neil Gaiman’s comics, the series expands on its protagonist’s challenges, as he must save both his own kingdom and the waking world while dealing with the effects of his past mistakes.
The narrative adapts central arcs such as “Season of Mists,” “Brief Lives,” and “The Kindly Ones,” while also including special chapters, such as “The Song of Orpheus” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” According to showrunner Allan Heinberg, the proposal was
gather all the remaining stories
of original comics centered on the protagonist Dream. Therefore, story arcs in which he isn’t featured prominently were ignored. As a result, the series concludes with 11 episodes divided into two parts, with six chapters in the first volume and five in the second, plus a bonus episode scheduled for late July.
Despite the official justification, the premature ending sparked speculation. The backlash from sexual abuse allegations against Neil Gaiman, even though denied by the author, affected other productions such as “Good Omens” and “Anansi Boys” on Prime Video.
📺 DAN DA DAN | Netflix and Crunchyroll
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Season 2 of the anime places Okarun in one of the series’ most intense confrontations as he faces off against the Evil Eye. Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, published by Shonen Jump+ since 2021, the anime follows Momo, a student from a family of mediums, and Okarun, her classmate obsessed with the occult. The two disagree about what lies beyond the material world until they discover together that both ghosts and aliens are real. From there, Momo awakens hidden supernatural powers while Okarun ends up cursed, and both must join forces to face paranormal entities, alien invasions, and curses threatening humanity.
Shown in theaters last week, the beginning of the “Evil Eye” arc dives into the drama of Jiji, Momo’s childhood friend, who is possessed by a demonic entity that heightens the danger and forces the group to reconsider the boundaries between good and evil, reality and supernatural. The themes of horror, self-acceptance, and friendship form the central axis, facilitating dialogue with a young audience, without abandoning traditional shonen elements: choreographed fights, increasing tension, and nonsensical humor.
The character design created by Science SARU stands out for its balance of tradition and graphic innovation. Bold lines, vibrant color usage, and distortion effects express the escalation of conflict and moments of demonic possession. The production invests in dynamically paced action sequences, integrating CGI with traditional animation techniques, and explores settings ranging from detailed school environments to visually surreal spaces, emphasizing the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
The direction remains with Fuga Yamashiro, now with Abel Gongora as co-director, and maintains the continuity of the original team, including Kensuke Ushio for the soundtrack and Hiroshi Seko for series composition.
📺 KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION | Crunchyroll
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The Kamitsubaki Studio multimedia project was originally created in 2019, including music, videos, and even a game. The adaptation takes place in a high-tech metropolis and follows a group of virtual witches with extraordinary vocal powers, the only ones capable of protecting Kamitsubaki City from a hidden threat.
Directed and written by Kōdai Kakimoto (“BanG Dream!”) at studio SMDE, the narrative balances the city’s apparent normality with growing tension behind the scenes, as the witches discover that Kamitsubaki hides mysterious dangers. The five witches are voiced in Japanese by the members of V.W.P themselves, the studio’s pioneering virtual group, with character designs by Palow Nakamura, an artist from the game “Xenoblade Chronicles 3.”
📺 THE WATER MAGICIAN | Crunchyroll
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The isekai dives into the fantastic universe of Tadashi Kubō’s light novel, which already has 13 volumes in Japan. After dying at age 20, Ryō is reincarnated into a fantasy world called Phi, with water mage powers and eternal youth. Soon, he finds himself facing a flood of deadly monsters inhabiting this remote subcontinent. Twenty years pass in the blink of an eye, and each challenge along the way brings him closer to mastering water magic, until a decisive encounter places him at the center of historic events, forever changing the course of his life. The story follows the traditional isekai formula, focusing on the character’s growth through battles.
The production is by Typhoon Graphics and Wonderland, directed by Hideyuki Satake (“Dungeon Meshi”), with character design by Yūka Kozutsumi (“Classmates”).
📺 WELCOME TO THE OUTCAST’S RESTAURANT! | Crunchyroll
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After being expelled from the guild where he worked for many years, Dennis, a level 99 cook, fulfills his dream of opening a restaurant for adventurers in a rural area near Atelier, a young abandoned former slave. In a fantasy world where cooking is as important as magical talents, Dennis quickly gains customers and allies through his creativity in the kitchen, while facing typical challenges of trying to build something from scratch in a hostile universe. However, the restaurant’s success leads to the arrival of several enemies, including Vector, the leader of the guild who expelled Dennis out of spite.
The production by studio OLM Team Yoshioka adapts the light novel series by Yūki Kimikawa and Gaou, directed by Jōji Shimura (“A Lâmina do Mestre Fantasma”).
FRIDAY
🎞️ SINNERS | Max
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The first horror film from director Ryan Coogler’s career (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) is set in the southern United States during the depression and racial segregation era. In their fourth collaboration with the director, Michael B. Jordan (“Creed”) plays twin brothers who return to their hometown with money earned in the big city to open a blues bar by the roadside, but the music ends up attracting supernatural creatures. The story is constructed as a hybrid of period drama, horror, and musical, reaching its climax during a nighttime siege of the bar, as vampires surround the place and begin killing the patrons.
The narrative features elements of guilt, redemption, and religiosity, with scenes also alluding to African-American and Southern Christian traditions of the United States. The strong cast includes Delroy Lindo (“Blood Diamond”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Loki”), Jack O’Connell (“Lady Chatterley’s Lover”), Li Jun Li (“Babylon”), Hailee Steinfeld (“Hawkeye”), and a special appearance by legendary blues musician Buddy Guy.
With a soundtrack produced by rapper Kendrick Lamar (a collaborator of the director on “Black Panther”), the film became the most acclaimed horror movie of the year, receiving 100% approval based on the first 45 reviews evaluated by Rotten Tomatoes, praised both for its aesthetic ambition and genre fusion.
📺 ARKNIGHTS: RISE FROM EMBER | Crunchyroll
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The third season continues the saga inspired by the strategy RPG created by Takuto Ira. The anime takes place on Terra, a planet devastated by natural catastrophes and marked by the spread of the disease Oripathy, which grants magical powers but condemns its carriers to an early death and social exclusion.
The story begins with Rhodes Island, a pharmaceutical organization searching for a cure for Oripathy, while striving to protect the infected from government prejudice and abuse. The protagonist, known as Doctor, awakens from a coma with amnesia and is rescued by Amiya, the young leader of Rhodes Island. They must escape the mobile city of Chernobog, which has been invaded by the rebel group Reunion, a faction composed of infected individuals who, tired of suffering oppression, resort to direct confrontation and violent actions against society and the government. While Rhodes Island attempts to save and protect the infected through ethical and scientific means, Reunion believes that only rebellion can secure justice for their kind.
O Doctor, ao acordar sem memória, precisa assumir rapidamente a liderança estratégica da Rhodes Island, guiando o grupo tanto em batalhas contra a Reunion quanto no esforço para resgatar civis e proteger os infectados — mesmo quando isso significa enfrentar outros infectados que aderiram à causa radical. O roteiro aprofunda conflitos num universo distópico onde sobrevivência, discriminação e esperança se entrelaçam desde o primeiro episódio.
Produced by Yostar Pictures and directed by Yuki Watanabe, the new season dives into the “Rise from Ember” arc and introduces a series of Operators—specialists, fighters, and scientists from different regions of the world, all recruited by Rhodes Island to form elite teams. The plot also features the arrival of the international faction Eternal Nations, which brings together diverse countries and peoples in complex alliances, deepening geopolitical conflicts and tensions between different power groups. This combination of power struggles and survival strategies marks the most ambitious season of the series so far, establishing “Arknights” as an anime that goes beyond fantasy and delves into discussions about exclusion, loyalty, and resistance.
📺 BETROTHED TO MY SISTER’S EX | Crunchyroll
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A light novel written by Tobirano and illustrated by Mai Murasaki has already gathered eight published volumes since 2020, along with a manga version currently consisting of nine volumes. The animated adaptation produced by LandQ Studios explores a romantic narrative filled with misunderstandings and redemption, touched by a bit of “Cinderella.” The story’s downtrodden heroine is Marie, the youngest daughter of a ruined baron, who lives submissively under constant family humiliation to the point of having no self-esteem. On her own birthday, she once again witnesses her parents directing all their attention toward Anastasia, her “beautiful” sister, prompting Marie to seek refuge in the garden to avoid embarrassment. There, Marie meets Duke Cyrus, who becomes enchanted by her sweet personality. Excited, he decides he wants to propose marriage to the young woman. However, an error made by her own parents causes Marie’s name to be switched with her sister’s in Cyrus’s marriage proposal.
When Anastasia disappears on her way to the duke’s house and is presumed dead, Marie is sent to comfort Cyrus in his grief. Upon realizing that there was a mix-up in the sisters’ names, the duke tries to explain the situation, but Marie cannot accept or understand the misunderstanding, plunging into an emotional struggle to overcome the trauma caused by her family and to believe that she can truly be loved.
📺 SECRETS OF THE SILENT WITCH | Crunchyroll
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The anime, based on Matsuri Isora’s light novel, follows Monica Everett, the immensely powerful “silent mage,” the only one capable of casting magic without incantations. Despite her power, Monica is extremely shy, lives in isolation, and avoids social interaction, keeping only the cat Cerberus as her companion. Everything changes when she is tasked with infiltrating Serendia Academy to serve as the young prince’s bodyguard, facing court intrigues and the customs of nobility, completely out of her supernatural element.
The production is by the studio Gokumi, directed by Takaomi Kanasaki and Yasuo Iwamoto (both from “Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World”). The work also received a manga adaptation, illustrated by Tobi Tana, currently with five published volumes.
📺 WATARI-KUN’S ****** IS ABOUT TO COLLAPSE! | Crunchyroll
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The series focuses on Naoto Watari, who has lived solely to care for his younger sister, Suzu, ever since they lost their parents during their teenage years. At 19 years old, he maintains a routine devoted entirely to the girl, even refusing to socialize with his classmates. That tranquility is shaken by the arrival of Satsuki Tachibana, a transfer student who revives Naoto’s past traumas, as she was involved in painful events he has tried to forget. With her presence, disturbing secrets begin to surface, casting tension and mystery over the new beginning he has built alongside his sister.
The anime from Staple Entertainment adapts Naru Narumi’s manga, published between 2014 and 2023, which totals 16 volumes in Japan. Directed by Takashi Naoya (“Is It Seriously Me Who’s the Strongest?”), it alternates moments of romantic comedy with a dark atmosphere, while secrets and emotional wounds surface, exposing the boundary between protection and obsession in the bond between the Watari siblings.
SATURDAY
📺 THE SUMMER HIYARU DIED | Netflix
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The anime takes place in a quiet Japanese village, where Hikaru’s behavior arouses suspicion in his best friend, Yoshiki. Gradually, he discovers that Hikaru may have been replaced by a supernatural entity that inherited his memories and personality, but is not the friend he used to know.
The plot unfolds between past and present, blending elements of mystery, psychological horror, and emotional tension as we follow Yoshiki’s attempt to uncover what happened to Hikaru. The circumstances involve strange phenomena, strained friendships, and threats that challenge reality. The dark atmosphere and psychological suspense are enhanced by the soundtrack and silences that intensify the tense climate. The focus lies on Hikaru’s existential crisis, Yoshiki’s loyalty, and the mystery surrounding a possible body swap with a supernatural presence.
Manga version of Mokumokuren, the series was produced by studio CygamesPictures and directed by Ryōhei Takeshita (“Jujutsu Kaisen”).
📺 MY DRESS-UP DARLING | Crunchyroll
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After winning over audiences with its sensitive approach to the cosplay universe, My Dress-Up Darling returns with the highly anticipated 2nd season. The new chapter follows Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo as they deepen the relationship built in the first year and face new challenges in the world of costumes and handmade creation.
The plot continues with the arrival of new characters, such as Sajuna Inui, who expands the circle of friends and rivals, leading Marin and Gojo to embark on more elaborate cosplay projects. Their partnership evolves as they explore not only new references and techniques but also undeclared feelings, amidst school life and behind-the-scenes productions.
The production retains the signature of studio CloverWorks and the direction of Keisuke Shinohara. The anime is inspired by Shinichi Fukuda’s manga, which concluded in March 2025, and the new season promises to adapt the final chapters, showcasing the protagonists’ emotional growth and celebrating the passion for cosplay. The ending aims to deliver a conclusion faithful to the original material.
📺 RASCAL DOES NOT DREAM OF SANTA CLAUS | Crunchyroll
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The production adapts the light novel “Rascal Does Not Dream,” written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Kēji Mizoguchi, which consists of 15 volumes published in Japan and has already inspired the anime “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” in 2018, as well as three feature films by 2023.
In the original story, the life of high school student Sakuta Azusagawa takes an unexpected turn when he meets teenage actress Mai Sakurajima, dressed as a bunny and wandering through a library without being noticed by anyone. Mai is intrigued that Sakuta is the only one who can see her, since other people are unable to notice her even when she is dressed normally or trying to stay away from celebrity life. Labeling this phenomenon as “Adolescence Syndrome,” Sakuta decides to solve the mystery while continuing to grow closer to Mai and meeting other girls who also suffer from the same condition.
The new anime retells the bunny girl’s story, but with a university student and a Santa Mama, taking its title from the 13th volume of the series, in which the protagonists are already in college. Now Sakuta, Mai, and new classmates face the phenomenon of “Puberty Syndrome” within an adult context. The animation is produced by studio CloverWorks and directed by Sōichi Masui, who has overseen the entire saga.
📺 SCOOPED UP BY AN S‑RANK ADVENTURER! | Crunchyroll
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The light novel adaptation of Sora Suigetsu narrates Lloyd’s journey, a white mage exiled from the hero’s party for being considered useless. After being discarded by the main team, he accidentally encounters an S-Rank adventurer group and joins them, discovering his worth as an exceptional support mage, despite always considering himself ordinary.
The fantasy world where the story takes place is on the brink of collapse: the hero’s former party has fallen apart, S-Rank adventurers face trials, and Lloyd’s abilities become essential to keep hope alive. Produced by the studio Felix Film and directed by Hiroshi Tamada (“The Testament of Sister New Devil”), the series promises a mix of subtle personal growth, battle scenes, and moments that challenge the notion of power and usefulness.
📺 THE SHY HERO AND THE ASSASSIN PRINCESSES | Crunchyroll
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The romantic action comedy adapts the manga written by Norishiro-chan and illustrated by Yukiji Setsuda, released in Japan in 2022. The protagonist is Toto, a rank E adventurer, who possesses absurd strength but is extremely shy around women—he faints just from looking at a girl’s face.
The plot unfolds when three assassins—Ciel, Anemone, and Goa—decide to recruit him into their group, each secretly aiming to kill him to fulfill her own interests. The result is a “lethal harem” dynamic, in which the hero must survive both the dangers and awkwardness of living alongside his dangerous and seductive companions.
Directed by Noriaki Akitaya (“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion”) and produced by studio Connect, the show uses absurd humor to refresh the genre.
📺 WITH YOU AND THE RAIN | Crunchyroll
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The anime produced by studio Lesprit begins on a rainy day, when Fuji meets You, a creature who claims to be a “dog”: wet, intelligent, and holding a sign asking to be adopted. Enchanted, she decides to take him in, and the story follows this unlikely pair’s daily life, exploring themes such as loneliness, connection, and small moments of tenderness—even though the “dog” doesn’t really act like a dog.
Based on the slice-of-life manga, written and illustrated by Ko Nikaido since 2020, the anime is directed by Tomohiro Tsukimisato (“How Clumsy You Are, Miss Ueno”) with character design by Ayano Ōwada (“Steins;Gate”).
* New releases in VoD (Video on Demand) can be rented individually on platforms such as Apple TV, Claro TV+, Loja Prime, Microsoft Store, Vivo Play, and YouTube, among others that function as digital rental services without the need for a monthly subscription.
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